Variable design printing means

ABSTRACT

In abstract, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a variable design block print consisting of a pegboard with pins or pegs for mounting the printing blocks thereon. The holes for receiving the pegs within the board are spacingly arranged in a uniform pattern of equilateral triangles. The blocks are of various shapes and contain multiple pin-receiving holes arranged in a predetermined pattern for mounting in different orientations and positions.

United States Patent [72] ln ntm' R M00 A l n 1,226,049 5/1917 Bachmann 35/28 gfiognollwood SL, Winston-Salem, N.C. FOREIGN PATENTS [2]] APPLNQ 868,153 443,479 5/1912 France 101/372 [22] Filed Oct 21 969 371,638 4/1932 England 46/26 [45] Patented 7 1 794,583 2/1936 France 46/26 1,121,677 8/1956 France 46/26 Primary Examiner- Edgar S. Burr [54] VARIABLE DESIGN PRINTING MEANS Assistant E R E, Suter 9 Claims, 19 Drawing a AnorneyJohn 0. Mills, 111 [52] U.S.Cl 101/373,

, 35/2746/l6 ABSTRACT: In abstract, a preferred embodiment of the [51] lnt.Cl B411 17/00 so 1 Field orsmcll 101/372 l a l a pegboard with plns or egs for mountln the printing blocks 373 35/26 27 28 46/16 17 26 D34/15 p g i thereon. The holes for receiving the pegs within the board are [56] References a spacingly arranged in a uniform pattern of equilateral trian- UNITED STATES PATENTS gles. The blocks are of various shapes and contain multiple in-receivin holes arran ed in a redetermined pattern for 3 089 269 5 1963 M p g g P 46/16 X mounting in different orientations and positions. 2,984,488 5/1961 Klrchner 35/27 X .O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 24-- 0 O O O O O 36 6 -24 36\ Q II PATENTEU D C 7 l9?! SHEET 1 [IF 4 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY PATENTEUDEC 7m 3.6251249 SHEET 2 [IF 4 INVENTOR.

ROBERT M RE ALLEN ATTORNEY o I o o O o PATENTEDUEB nan 3525149 SHEET 3 or 4 EQWX INVENTOR. ROBE T MOORE ALLEN BY 6 M ATTORNEY I PATENTEU DEC 7 l9?! SHEET l 0F 4 INVENTOR. ROBER MOORE A L LEN ATTORNEY VARIABLE DESIGN IRINTING MEANS This invention relates to printing and more particular to multicolored design block printing.

Multishaped blocks have commonly been used in printing corresponding multicolored designs. Their particular use though has been limited among hobbyist and nonprofessional printers because of the complexity and inconvenience associated with traditional operational procedures. For instance, in the past a particular desired design required that the printer carve a separate set of blocks that when orderly arranged would give the desired design. Seldom would a set of carved blocks or any part thereof be useful in printing subsequent desired designs. This meant, of course, that the printer had to concern himself with carving the blocks which involved additional time and required extra skill.

Applicant, being aware of the above-mentioned problems, has expended much time and effort in developing a simple variable design block printer. The variable design feature of the present invention is accomplished by the design of a basic set of printing blocks of various and like shapes, each having a multiplicity of pin-receiving openings or holes whereby they may be secured in numerous single-plane orientations about a point in the printing board. The holes in the board are geometrically spaced so that their centers are located at vertexes of equilateral triangles. This arrangement of holes in the printing board and the particular pattern of holes within the blocks makes possible the placement of any block of the basic set adjacent to or alongside any other block of that set. Thus by using the basic set of printing blocks, an infinite number of different designs can be produced.

Further applicant has developed as part of the present invention means for locating the blocks on the board in predetermined patterns to accomplish a desired predetermined result in the completed print. In conjunction with this locating means, a means for insuring proper location of paper or other material being printed has been devised. The present invention can be so disposed that it can be used either on a commercial printing press or printed by hand. Also if desired, using the basic concept the board can be so electrified that the blocks are illuminated from within thus giving a highly interesting and unusual decorative effect.

It is an object, therefore, of the present invention to provide a basic set of printing blocks to be used in conjunction with a printing board whereby the blocks may be orderly arranged about the printing board to produce various and distinct designs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a basic set of printing blocks mounted on a printing board, said blocks being of such configuration that any given block may be placed juxtaposed to any other given block along at least a part of each blocks periphery.

Another object of the present invention is to provide printing blocks which are attachably secured to a printing board by means of pegs which fit into one or more of the patterned holes in said blocks and board.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a pegboard-type printing board upon which is mounted a plurality of printing blocks, said pegboard having openings therein spaced on center at the vertex of equilateral triangles.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide in a pegboard-type printing board having openings at the vertex of equilateral triangles spaced throughout the printing area and blocks having a plurality of pin-receiving openings therein whose centers equal in distance one side of any of the multiplicity of equilateral triangles of said board and the centers of at least one additional hole equals two times the height of any of said equal-sized equilateral triangles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a guide for arranging the printing blocks of a block printer to give a predetermined design.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a printing block guide for locating the precise location of a multiplicity of blocks to give a predetermined desired pattern.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a paper guide for a block printing device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide, in a block printing device, a means for locating the paper or other means being printed at a precise predetermined position over the blocks just prior to the printing step.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a block printing device which can readily be used on a commercial-type printing press and yet is complete operatable by hand in conjunction with absolutely no mechanical equipment.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a block-type design producer including means to illuminate the blocks to obtain an unusual decorative efiect.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an illuminated design including various colored lights within various blocks to give an unusual patterned effect.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view showing the typical hole arrangement for part of a block mounting board;

FIG. 2 is a typical cross section of a printing block;

FIGS. 3A through 31 disclose a typical set of basic printing blocks including the spacing of a peg-receiving openings therein;

FIGS. 4A through 4E disclose a very limited few of the multitude of varying colored designs that may be produced using the basic set of blocks;

FIG. 5 is a plan elevational view of a modified block supporting board;

FIG. 6 is a section taken through lines 6-6 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 7 is a typical cross section of the modified block and board showing the electrical illuminating circuit thereof.

With further reference to the drawings, a block mounting board or printing board indicated generally at 11 has a multiplicity of openings 12 provided therein. These holes are preferably on %-inch centers along any given bisecting line and are so arranged that the central points of any three adjacent openings will form an equilateral triangle.

The center of each opening 12 lies at a vertex of six equalsized equilateral triangles. This particular pattern geometrically gives a circle 14 of six openings spaced a distance equal to one side of the equilateral triangle about any single given hole 13. These six openings are, of course, spaced on 60 radii from such opening. Also it is a geometric fact that a second group 15 of six equispaced openings lie at a distance equal to the height of two equilateral triangles and are spaced midway the first set of openings radii. In other words, the second group of openings form a circle with each opening being on a 60 radii from its adjacent opening and on 30 radii when considering alternately the nearest and second nearest circle of openings.

Through experimentation and actual practice it has been found convenient to use openings or holes having a liq-inch diameter and to space them on 36-inch centers as indicated above. Thus each of the equilateral triangles formed by the pattern of openings have sides of three-eighths inch.

The distance between any given hole 13 and its second circle of openings 15 is equal to the height of the two equilateral triangles or approximately twenty-one thirty-seconds inch. This distance is computed by the formula 2H=2(%) in 60" where H is the height of one equilateral triangle having Xi-inch sides. When computed out, the height of a single equilateral triangle is approximately twenty-one sixty-fourths of an inch and the distance from any given opening to the second circle of openings would be twice this distance or twenty-one thirtyseconds of an inch approximately. Throughout this specification, two times the height of a %-inch equilateral triangle will be referred to as twenty-one thirty-seconds inch although it is understood that in actual practice the precise distance will be used rather than this approximated distance.

A typical printing block 18 is disclosed in cross section in FIG. 2 and comprises a body portion 19 and a printing surface 20. The block body can be made of either wood, plastic or other suitable material and the printing surface is preferably a nonporous material such as linoleum or the like. The printing surface is fixedly secured to the block body to form the interval printing block 18.

In each block used with the printing board of the present invention, there are at least three pin-receiving openings provided therein. From any given one of these openings, the other two openings are spaced one on a multiple of the distance of the side of the equilateral triangle used in laying out the openings 12 and the second is based on a multiple equal to two times the height of such equilateral triangle. Thus it can be seen that if one of the pins 24 is placed in opening 21 and the other pin is placed in opening 23, the block may be placed on the board ll in any one of six positions which aligned with the radii passing through the nearest set or circle of openings 14. lf the pins are placed in openings 21 and 22 or 23 and 22, the spacing between the two pins is either the distance of two times the height of the base triangle or a multiple thereof and the block may be disposed in any one of the six positions aligned with the radii passing through the second nearest openings to the given opening 13. In each of the examples, of course, one of the pins must be placed in the given opening if the example shown in FIG. 1 is used. The basic principle, however, applies to any of the openings across the board.

From the above, it can be seen that a spacing of the three openings in the block on multiples of the side of the equilateral triangle and twice its height, a total of 12 positions from any given hole may be used in attaching the block to the board.

To obtain an infinite number of positions for a given block having a given base pin and two aligned openings spaced on the multiples as hereinabove described, additional sets of openings based on the same multiple are placed on a line at an angle to the first line. Thus for each line of openings having the two multiples hereinabove described, 12 additional different positions are available. If a single block under this teaching would, for example, have five sets or lines of multiple spaced openings at varying angles from a central base opening, there is a possibility of 12 times 5 or 60 different radiation points or positions at which the block may be disposed relative to any central given opening on the board.

A basic set of blocks such as that disclosed in FIGS. 3A through 31 has been developed to give an unusually large variety of possible designs with a minimum of basic shapes. As will be noted, all of the aligned openings are spaced on multiples of the side of the basic board equilateral triangle or two times the height of such triangle. Although other opening spacings could be used relative to the blocks disclosed, the arrangement shown through experimentation has been determined to be at least some of the more preferred alignments.

Each of the blocks used either in the basic set or any oddshaped pieces that may be designed should be of a size in each direction equal to a multiple of three-eighths of an inch if this is the size of the equilateral triangle being used on the printing board for spacing of the openings therein. The reason for this is to assure that a snug fit can always be accomplished between each of the adjoining printing blocks when they are mounted on the printing board.

Since each of the printing blocks is composed of an impervious material or is coated with an impervious material or is treated to become impervious, such blocks can be cleansed with either eater or a solvent for whatever type of ink is being used and may then be reused any number of times.

The pegs or pins used to hold the printing blocks on the printing board would be in the example given of a diameter slightly smaller than one-eighth of an inch so as to be able to fit in the openings both in the blocks and the board. These pins should also be, of course, slightly shorter in length than the combined depth of the openings in the board and the block.

In actual use of the system of the present invention for printing, a multiplicity of blocks are pinned to the printing board in any design that is desirable and aesthetically acceptable to the person setting up the design. Next the preferred color of ink or paint is placed on the upper surface of the printing blocks with a roller or other conventional means of inking. The paper, cloth or other material is then pressed against the inked blocks to print the design of such blocks thereon.

If a varied, multiple-colored design is desired, the first set of blocks are cleaned and removed from the printing board and a second design of blocks is set up thereon. These blocks are then inked in whatever additional color is to be used and the original prints are pressed thereagainst to receive the second design and color. Of course, wherever the first and second colors overlap, a third color will be produced such as, for example, a blue printing and a yellow printing will give, where overlapped, a green color since green is a combination of blue and yellow. Thus it can be seen that in using two separate colors three colors may be produced and in using three separate distinct basic colors a variety of additional colors and hues may be produced. This variation of multiple colors and hues is one of the factors that make block printing from the system of the present invention interesting and intriguing to the user thereof as well as rewarding in obtaining a very unusual and colorful end product.

A few of the basic designs possible are exemplified in FIGS. 4A through 4E. These are obviously only a very few of the infinite number of possibilities using varying block pattern layouts with varying ink colors and hues.

Should it be desirable to provide a means for easily reproducing any given block print, one or more block patterns may be provided. These patterns would consist of an overlay having an outline of the blocks printed thereon with openings at the specified areas corresponding to where the pins in the blocks would enter the printing board. Thus the pattern is laid over the printing board, the blocks placed over the outline corresponding thereto and pinned to the board. The inking and printing is then accomplished in the routine manner hereinabove described. If a multiple-color complex design is desired, a guide can be produced stating which patterns are used with which colors in which sequence to give the desired end result. Since a multiplicity of guides would most likely be used, a chart of varying final products could be provided showing the sequences used to produce the reproduction. It is envisioned that a guide book of various completed prints could be provided with a multiplicity of numbered patterns which are indexed for easy location and use.

To assure proper location of the material to be printed, whether paper, cloth or other substance, strips 36 of wood, plastic or the like of a height equivalent to the printing blocks can be pinned along the sides of the print board so that the paper or other material may be aligned therewith. This is particularly helpful when two or more printings are used to accomplish a multicolored final product since the paper must be removed between each arrangement of the blocks and each re-inking of the same.

Since it is obvious that the printing can be accomplished by pressing the material to be printed down against the inked blocks either by using the heel of the hand or a roller or other press means, the printing is not limiting to that requiring excessive skill. The invention, however, can also be used by the commercial printer when the thickness of the printing blocks and board are equivalent to the standard height of commercial press type. Ordinarily printing type used by commercial printers is 0.9186 of an inch thick. Since this is handy thickness for hand setup, it is contemplated that the thickness of the blocks and board should be 0.9l86 of an inch so that they may be used either by the amateur and professional artist for handwork or may be used for limited and extended runs by commercial printers on standard printing presses.

Using the same board layout and block and pin arrangement, a very interesting and decorative variable design orientation may be produced by electrifying the board so that the blocks may be illuminated by an interiorly disposed light source.

One method of accomplishing this end result would be to coat the upper surface of the board with an electrically conductive material 25 which has openings therein slightly larger than the pin openings so that such pins will not touch such surface when they are in inserted position. A second electrically conductive layer 26 is provided which is embedded within the board and is separated from the first layer by an insulating material. This second layer 26 is so disposed that when pins are inserted in the openings of the board they will contact such layer. The lower surface as disposed in F IG. 7 of the typical illuminated block 27 is coated with an electrically conductive layer 28. This layer is in contact with one terminal 29 of a typical light source such as bulb 30. The second terminal 31 of bulb 30 is in contact with conductive layer 32 which also is in electrical contact with electrically conducted pin 33.

From the above, it can be seen that when one or more blocks are secured to the board in the manner disclosed in FIG. 7 and an electrical current is connected to leads 34 and 35 from an electrical source (not shown), current will flow through the embedded conductive layer 26, up through the conductive pins 33, along conductive layer 32, through the light bulb 30, out through terminal 39, down conductive layer 28, and through conductive layer 25 to complete the circuit from leads 34 to 35. Y

Translucent blocks of varying colors may be used to give various designs when such blocks are connectively inserted on the electrified board as hereinabove described. Also an alternative would be to have removable colored bulbs so that varying colors with varying shaped blocks could be used and could be alternated as desired by the user of the device.

Obviously alternate electrical systems could be devised to accomplish the same result as hereinabove described.

It is obvious that the present invention has the advantage of providing a print-producing means that can be used either by hand or in conjunction with a commercial-type printing press. The present invention also provides means for an infinite number of patterns and designs to be produced from a basic number of blocks which may be set at varying angles and spaces. The present invention also allows a printmaker to produce a multiplicity of varying colors and designs by simply rearranging a basic number of blocks in an infinite number of positions without having to carve or otherwise produce the desired configurations. Additionally the present invention has the advantage of allowing an inexperienced or limited experienced printmaker to reproduce known designs from one or more print patterns which can be used without disturbing the normal sequence of print producing. The present invention has even the further advantage of providing a means for constantly aligning the material being printed in exactly the same position even after the same has been removed for changing of ink or printing blocks. The basic principle of the present invention has the benefit of allowing a multicolored decorative means to be produced which can be illuminated for even greater contrast and novel appearance.

The terms upper, lower" and so forth have been used herein merely for convenience to describe the printing means and its parts as oriented in the drawings. It is to be understood, however, that these terms are in no way limiting to the invention since the device may obviously be disposed in many different positions when it is used.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range are intended to be embraced herein.

What is claimed is:

l. A variable design printing means comprising: A mounting board having a plurality of pin-receiving openings therein, said openings lying at the vertices of, and forming a pattern of, adjacent equal sized equilateral triangles; at least one design printing block having at least two pin-receiving openings therein, said block openings being spaced from each other at a distance equal to an integral multiple of the len th of one side of said equal-sized equilateral triangles; a pair 0 pm means for selective insertion into any two of said openings in said block whereby said block may be mounted on said board in any one of a plurality of block orientations.

2. The means of claim 1 wherein the block is a printing block.

3. The means of claim 1 wherein a plurality of blocks are used.

4. The means of claim 3 wherein each dimension of each of said blocks is an integral multiple of the length of one side of said equilateral triangle.

5. The means of claim 1 wherein the board and its mounted blocks are operatively mountable on a mechanical printing press.

6. The means of claim 5 wherein the combined thickness of the blocks and board is 0.9186 of an inch.

7. The means of claim 1 including a block pattern fitted over said board to aid in proper predetermined location of said design blocks.

8. The means of claim 1 wherein the design block means is used to print a material which is located relative to said board by means of an aligning means.

9. The means of claim 1 wherein the openings in said block are spaced at a distance equal to an integral multiple of one side of said equilateral triangles and at a distance equal to an integral multiple of two times the height of said triangles whereby an additional plurality of compass positions are possible for the mounting of said blocks on said board. 

1. A variable design printing means comprising: A mounting board having a plurality of pin-receiving openings therein, said openings lying at the vertices of, and forming a pattern of, adjacent equal sized equilateral triangles; at least one design printing block having at least two pin-receiving openings therein, said block openings being spaced from each other at a distance equal to an integral multiple of the length of one side of said equal-sized equilateral triangles; a pair of pin means for selective insertion into any two of said openings in said block whereby said block may be mounted on said board in any one of a plurality of block orientations.
 2. The means of claim 1 wherein the block is a printing block.
 3. The means of claim 1 wherein a plurality of blocks are used.
 4. The means of claim 3 wherein each dimension of each of said blocks is an integral multiple of the length of one side of said equilateral triangle.
 5. The means of claim 1 wherein the board and its mounted blocks are operatively mountable on a mechanical printing press.
 6. The means of claim 5 wherein the combined thickness of the blocks and board is 0.9186 of an inch.
 7. The means of claim 1 including a block pattern fitted over said board to aid in proper predetermined location of said design blocks.
 8. The means of claim 1 wherein the design block means is used to print a material which is located relative to said board by means of an aligning means.
 9. The means of claim 1 wherein the openings in said block are spaced at a distance equal to an integral multiple of one side of said equilateral triangles and at a distance equal to an integral multiple of two times the height of said triangles whereby an additional plurality of compass positions are possible for the mounting of said blocks on said board. 